Bexley Watch has been made aware of a sophisticated new scam circulating on social media that targets our community’s spirit of helpfulness.
While we often pride ourselves on being one of London’s safest boroughs by looking out for one another, fraudsters are now using Artificial Intelligence (AI) to turn a simple act of kindness into a high-tech robbery.
How the Scam Works
The "Helpful Stranger" trap usually happens in busy public areas like Bexleyheath Broadway, local train stations, or supermarkets.
The Approach: A stranger (often appearing vulnerable or elderly) approaches you, claiming their phone is "glitching" or they can’t get a video call to work. They ask you to hold the phone or "fix" a setting.
The Capture: While you are looking at the device, the camera is secretly recording your face in high definition, and the microphone is capturing your voice as you speak to them.
The 'Clone': Using AI software, scammers use these few seconds of footage to create a "Deepfake"—a digital clone of your face and voice.
The Sting: They then contact your family members or friends (often via WhatsApp or a video call), appearing and sounding exactly like you, claiming you’ve been in an accident and need money urgently.
Is it Verified?
While some viral videos dramatise the speed of "fingerprint stealing," the Metropolitan Police and Cyber Crime units have confirmed that Voice and Video Cloning is a rapidly growing threat. Scammers only need a few seconds of clear audio and video to impersonate you convincingly enough to trick a worried relative.
How to Protect Yourself and Your Neighbours
Keep your distance: If a stranger asks for help with their phone, suggest they visit a nearby shop or information desk. You can help without physically handling their device or looking directly into their camera.
The 'Family Password': We strongly recommend all Bexley residents set up a secret "safe word" with their family. If you ever receive an emergency request for money, ask for the safe word. If they can’t provide it, it’s an AI scam.
Verify the source: If a "loved one" calls you in distress from an unknown number, hang up and call them back on their regular, saved mobile number.
Report it: If you encounter this in Bexley, please report it to Action Fraud and notify your local Neighbourhood Watch coordinator so we can alert the rest of the street.
Stay vigilant, Bexley. Let’s keep our community safe from both old-fashioned crime and new-tech scams.
